Benjamin Lanigan

Benjamin Lanigan’s work endeavours to understand space, perception and contrast of the everyday world around him. Starting with coloured card, he creates stencils and collages based on firsthand imagery of spaces and places he has encountered. Ben states that utilising collage has contributed to his style while also allowing him to slow down and enjoy the process, reconnecting to childhood curiosities. His interest in expressing spaces began while at Belfast School of Art where he studied the pop art movement. Ben initially was interested in where a space begins and ends along with how the audience and artist understand the representation of a space on the canvas. Ben is interested in symmetry along with investigating how he can transpose the reverb of the colourful world he encounters for the viewer. Each piece explores a moment in time where he finds himself pausing from the busy world and re-connecting with the moment. It could be a shadow, a shape, colour combination or all the above that catch his eye leading his mind to imagine how he can represent what he sees. Ben has found this act of reflection beneficial for his mental health both in and out of the studio. His use of colour, playfulness and laid-back execution is universally understood, allowing the audience to connect with his work. Ben’s work has been exhibited in Belfast and is held in private collections.

David Hockney’s outlook on space has really influenced me. Particularly these statements:

“when you are looking at one blade of grass you’re looking…then you see the other blades of grass, seeing more”

“Space is God”

“We see space through time, I see the tip of your shoe, I see your knee, I see this…at different times so now you make space in your head”